Footballing icon Wayne Rooney has made a stunning confession about one of the most infamous moments of his career, revealing an 18-hour drinking marathon was behind his desperate attempt to leave Manchester United for Chelsea.
In a remarkably candid interview on the BBC's newest podcast, the former England captain delves into the booze-fuelled chaos that led to him handing in a transfer request, a decision he now deeply regrets.
The Infamous 18-Hour Bender
Rooney discloses that the saga began after a monumental bender following a United defeat. "I'd been on a drinking session... I'd been out for 12, 13, 14 hours, I think," he admitted, before clarifying the bender stretched to a staggering 18 hours.
He returned home to wife Coleen in a terrible state, with the alcohol clouding his judgement. It was in this hazy, hungover condition the next morning that he made the fateful call to his agent.
The Desperate Plea To Join Chelsea
"I remember going home, and then the next morning, I was still drunk, barely thinking straight," Rooney recounted. "I phoned my agent and said: 'Get me out of the club. I need to get out of Manchester. I need to leave. Get me to Chelsea.'"
This impulsive, drink-fuelled decision sparked one of the biggest transfer sagas of the era, shocking the football world and putting immense strain on his relationship with United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
A Decision Fueled By Regret
Looking back, Rooney is brutally honest about his mistake. He describes the entire episode as a moment of panic and confusion, heavily influenced by the aftermath of his mammoth drinking session, rather than a clear-headed footballing decision.
The podcast reveals a man reflecting on his past with newfound clarity, acknowledging the rashness of his actions and the unnecessary turmoil it caused for himself, his family, and the club.
